Dyfed-Powys introduces drug amnesty bins to protect Royal Welsh revellers

DYFED-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywleyn, is urging anyone carrying drugs during Royal Welsh Show week this year to deposit them in special amnesty bins.

With thousands of party goers expected to visit the show and other events in the area, over the next week, the Commissioner has funded a number of amnesty bins which will be strategically placed at various locations throughout Builth Wells and Llanelwedd. These locations include the Young People’s Village, the Members’ bar in the showground, Penmaenau Farm and the Groe car park in the town centre.

Drug amnesty boxes are secure boxes in which suspected illegal drugs or legal highs can be safely deposited. The Commissioner has confirmed that anybody who ditches their illegal substances in the labelled bins will be able to do so without fear of prosecution. He said:

“The safety and enjoyment of all visitors to this iconic event is of the utmost priority for us. We have a zero tolerance policy towards illegal substances at events. Introducing amnesty bins is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure that this policy is adhered to. With thousands of young people expected to visit Builth Wells during the week, drug amnesty boxes are a small but significant component of an effective strategy to tackle the increase in drug use in the night time economy.

“We continue to work closely with Dyfed-Powys Police, and the Builth Wells Event Safety Group on this matter in order to ensure a safe experience for all visitors to the  area during the Royal Welsh Show. We look forward to another fantastic week.”

Inspector Darren Brown, Dyfed-Powys Police said:

“Together working with the Builth Wells Event Safety Group and with our partners, the drugs amnesty boxes are just another measure to assist with improving safety during the show week. Some of the venues will be carrying out searches as a condition of entry giving customers the opportunity to surrender anything illegal that they may have on their possession without fear of prosecution”.

A spokesperson for the Builth Wells Event Safety Group said;

“Having drug amnesty boxes available during show week is the responsible thing to do and standard practice for major public events. Both illegal and legal highs are not permitted in any of the venues in and around Builth Wells so there will be amnesty boxes at site gates and in the town for safe, discreet disposal.”